Alabama stays a step ahead of Mississippi State, 20-7

Sports

Justin Thomas watches his tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Former Alabama golfer Justin Thomas won the 99th PGA Championship on Sunday.

It was a slower start than many expected on Saturday as the University of Alabama took on Mississippi State. In what was expected to be a massively mismatched game, the Bulldogs managed to keep the Crimson Tide on their toes.

In their first possession, Alabama was held out of the endzone and forced to settle for a field goal. The 14-play opening drive covered 59 and was brought to a halt at the Mississippi State 16 yard line. Cade Foster booted in the 33-yard kick.

The majority of the first half became a defensive struggle between the two teams. The back-and-forth continued until Mississippi State was able to push far enough down to attempt a field goal. The Bulldogs drove for 9 plays over 73 yards before getting held up at the 7 yard line. Evan Sobiesk attempted the 23-yard kick, but it veered right of the goalposts.

The first touchdown of the game was made by Alabama with 20 seconds remaining in the half. The drive started off with T.J. Yeldon breaking through the defense for a 50 yard run to the Mississippi State 28 yard line. Brian Vogler made the score after receiving an A.J. McCarron pass and taking it 18 yards to the endzone. Foster kicked the extra point.

In the 3rd quarter, the Bulldogs found their way to the endzone. A fumble by Alabama's T.J. Yeldon was recovered by Bulldog Beniquez Brown and carried to the Alabama 46 yard line. The Mississippi State offense capitalized on the opportunity with several successful plays. QB Tyler Russell attempted to rush into the endzone, but fumbled 4 yards out. The ball was recovered by Charles Siddoway in the endzone for the score. Sobiesk added the extra point to bring the score to 10-7.

Alabama was quick to respond to the score. A 9-play drive for 77 yards ended with the Crimson Tide's second touchdown. The fourth play of the drive saw Christion Jones gain 26 yards with a McCarron pass. Kevin Norwood made the score with an 11-yard McCarron pass. Foster's kick was good.

The 4th quarter started off with Alabama taking another field goal. The drive covered 75 yards over 10 plays and was stopped at the Mississippi State 17 yard line. The third play of the drive saw T.J. Yeldon rush for a 25 yard gain. Cade Foster kicked the 35-yard field goal, bringing the score to 20-7.

The remainder of the game was a back-and-forth between the two teams. Neither team could find another chance to score. Bama wins 20-7.

Next week, Alabama takes on Chattanooga at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

LSU football fans ready to grab autographs and take pictures with their favorite Tiger players and coaches at the school's annual Fan Day will have to wait a little while. Sports information director Michael Bonnette confirmed to WAFB-TV that the event has been moved to the spring, in conjunction with the Tigers' spring football game. |^